Childhood anxiety disorders: exploring targeted preventative interventions and spontaneous recovery from diagnosis

Abstract

The first section of this thesis submission consists of a systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials evaluating intervention programmes aimed at preventing the onset of Anxiety Disorders in ‘at risk’ young people. A total of 16 studies (2545 young people) met inclusion criteria. Intervention characteristics were varied, although most often based on cognitive behavioural therapy. The range of risk factors used for inclusion in selective interventions was wide ranging. Evidence for effectiveness was mixed. Studies included in this review revealed a trend for a reduction of anxiety symptoms post intervention, but inconsistent findings regarding the significance of this decrease in comparison with control groups. The need for future research is discussed.

The second part contains an empirical research paper investigating potential predictive factors of spontaneous recovery from childhood anxiety disorders. Sixty-three children, aged 7-12 years old, with a current anxiety disorder took part in the study. The main findings were that children’s spontaneous recovery from childhood anxiety disorders was higher among children with a single anxiety disorder than for children with comorbid anxiety disorders, and for those with parents who displayed lower levels of passivity, threat promotion, or vulnerability promotion. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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ORCID for Peter Lawrence: orcid.org/0000-0001-6181-433X

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